#Photo mosaic uk archive#

The discovery of the Rutland villa and filming as the mosaic is uncovered for the first time in over 1,500 years will be featured as part of Digging for Britain when it returns to BBC Two and iPlayer in early 2022. The form and scope of this work will be informed by the proposed future excavations and will be the subject of a future National Lottery Heritage Fund bid. This is due to the site existing on private land rendering it inaccessible to the public. In collaboration with the University of Leicester and other stakeholders, Historic England is planning further excavations on the site for 2022.ĭiscussions are ongoing with Rutland County Council to explore the opportunity for an off-site display and interpretation of the villa complex and its finds.

#Photo mosaic uk archive#

They help to preserve sites like the Rutland mosaic so that people can continue to enjoy and learn about our fascinating history.Ī National Lottery Heritage fund bid is being made for further digs Steven Baker/Historic England Archive These types of agri-environment schemes are an essential part of how we can protect both the historic and natural environments and have contributed around £13 million per year towards the conservation and maintenance of our rural heritage. Historic England is working with the landowner to support the reversion of these fields to sustainable grassland and pasture use. The villa complex was found within an arable field where the shallow archaeological remains had been disturbed by ploughing and other activities. The site has been thoroughly examined and recorded as part of the recent investigations and has now been backfilled to protect it for future generations. The UK government's protection as a scheduled monument recognises the exceptional national importance of this site. It ensures these remains are legally protected and helps combat unauthorised works or unlawful activities such as illegal metal detecting. A team from the University of Leicester's archaeology team hard at work Steven Baker/Historic England Archive